Benefits of hunting to Missouri

Dear editor:

Hunting has always been a part of my family, from my grandfather to my older brother, all the way down to me. It's been an important time in my life where I get to share time with family and friends doing something we all love.

However, hunting is not only important to my family, but to the state of Missouri. Not only does hunting help maintain and regulate the numbers of game species, but also provides a large economic contribution to the state's economy. In some people's eyes hunting serves no purpose, but according to Hunting Works for Missouri, the sport helps to support 24,500 jobs in Missouri. Not only that, but hunting also creates a substantial ripple effect in the economy, amounting to $1.48 billion.

I hope that through my efforts in helping to conserve the wildlife in Missouri, as well as the efforts and economic contributions from my fellow hunters, that others will see the good which our sport does.

Sincerely,

Alex Mead

Kansas City, Mo.